Digital Transformation through Enterprise Software: A Comprehensive Review of Implementation Strategies

Enterprise software systems have become the cornerstone of modern organizational efficiency, enabling seamless integration across critical business processes. Yet, implementing these large-scale solutions remains a formidable challenge, often plagued by cost overruns, delays, and unmet expectations. This paper presents a comprehensive review of enterprise software implementation, bridging insights from academic research and real-world practice. It explores a spectrum of project management approaches—from traditional linear models to agile and hybrid frameworks—and examines how methodology choices influence implementation outcomes. Techniques for requirements gathering, such as stakeholder engagement and collaborative workshops, are discussed alongside change management strategies designed to drive user adoption and minimize organizational resistance. Common pitfalls—including data migration hurdles, legacy system integration, scope expansion, and insufficient user training—are critically analyzed, with best practices distilled to mitigate these risks. The review identifies essential success factors such as strong executive sponsorship, meticulous planning, robust data management, and effective vendor collaboration. Case studies drawn from industry experiences illustrate both successful transformations and cautionary failures, offering practical lessons for practitioners. Emerging trends, including the rise of cloud-based solutions and the integration of artificial intelligence, are also explored. The findings underscore a central truth: achieving sustainable success in enterprise software implementation demands not just technology, but a disciplined focus on people, process, and adaptive execution.